Black mental health crisis awareness ‘came at great cost’
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@stlouisamerican
St. Louis American See page A12
The
Serving, empowering and advocating for equity in St. Louis since 1928
CAC Audited FEB. 29 – MAR. 6, 2024
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St. Louis American part of city celebration
Community leaders presented with newspaper’s Articles of Incorporation
See AMERICAN, A7
Photo courtesy of Recorder of Deeds office
St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler displays a facsimile of the March 1928 Articles of Incorporation of The St. Louis American.
Like father, like son
The Salute to Excellence in Business Networking and Awards Luncheon featured father and son duos celebrating excellence in the Black business and non-profit communities. From left, Entrepreneur of the Year David Steward II, founder and CEO of Polarity; David Steward, founder and chair of World Wide Technology; Lifetime Achiever in Business Michael Kennedy Sr., founder and chair of KAI Enterprises, and KAI CEO Michael Kennedy Jr.
Generational excellence inspires all at sold-out Business Salute Luncheon n 2024 Entrepreneur of the Year David Steward II was not the first person in his family to receive the award. His father, David Steward – chairman and founder of World Wide Technology – became the award’s inaugural recipient 24 years ago.
son.” The generational impact of successful entrepreneurship loomed over this year’s luncheon –and inspired awe among all in attendance.
BUSINESS
McGee Masonry helps rebuild St. Louis brick-by-brick Jonathan McGee hopes to one day become the largest masonry company in St. Louis, and he plans to accomplish that goal through youth-focused community programs.
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Thousands of students within the St. Louis Public School District were left without a way to and from school Wednesday after many bus drivers n Nearly 100 didn’t show up to bus drivers work, following called off sick allegations of racism against their on Monday employer, Missouri after a diesel Central Bus. mechanic, Nearly 100 bus Amin Mitchell, drivers called off found a noose sick on Monday after a diesel last week mechanic, Amin near his work Mitchell, found a station. noose last week near his work station. The workers rallied at a local park on Monday to support Mitchell, who said he found the noose near his station a day after having an argument with his manager, according to the St. Louis PostDispatch. On Tuesday morning, 72 drivers called out and 68 drivers called out in the afternoon, Missouri Central said. On Wednesday, SLPS posted on its website that it could not service some routes that afternoon. “We are diligently working to find coverage for the routes, but it could take
See NOOSE, A6
Photo by Maurice Meredith / St. Louis American
The official theme of the St. Louis American Foundation’s 22nd Annual Salute to Excellence in Business Networking and Salute to Awards Luncheon was Business “In Support of Inclusive Regional Economic Growth.” “That is where our north star is,” said Jason Hall, CEO of presenting sponsor Greater St. Louis, Inc. But there was another theme that could have also applied to Thursday’s sold-out event at The Ritz-Carlton St. Louis. And that is, “Like father, like
SLPS bus drivers walk out in protest
By Lacretia Wimbley St. Louis Public Radio
Getting down to business
By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American
COMPLIMENTARY
Worker found noose near work station
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American St. Louis community leaders who were honored during the St. Louis African American Heritage Celebration on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, in the City Hall Rotunda received unique gifts. They were presented with facsimiles of the 1928 Articles of Incorporation of The St. Louis American newspaper. “The American is an institution in St. Louis,”
Vol. 95 No. 47
GOP files avalanche of anti-trans bills By Sylvester Brown Jr. The St. Louis American
2024 Entrepreneur of the Year David Steward II was not the first person in his family to receive the award. His father, David Steward – chairman and founder of World Wide Technology – became the award’s inaugural recipient 24 years ago. “To walk in his footsteps is a great honor,” David Steward II said in his acceptance remarks. “Growing up, I got to see first-hand the challenging journey of an entrepreneur – and what it takes to be an entrepreneur.” In a video featuring personal and career highlights, the elder Steward beamed. “For him to be an Oscar award
Culture wars are not new. Throughout American history, ideological forces have clashed over Black, women, gay, immigrant rights, policing n “I’m begand much more. Unfortunately, an ging you… effective tool in the just leave us arsenal of today’s alone!” attacks has been personalized propa– Father of ganda, manufactured Transgender mistruths, and divichild sive, fear-inspiring stereotypes. Rarely are the human lives enmeshed in these debates ever presented fully or accurately. An example is the political discourse on gender-affirming care. Missouri legislators employed cruel, bizarre rhetoric when they introduced dozens of anti-trans bills last year. Some were even adopted
See SALUTE, A6
See BILLS, A7 SPORTS
Local teams hope to take high road to state titles
The “Road to Columbia” series is underway for high school basketball teams across the St. Louis area as the postseason is upon us in the state of Missouri.
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